Palatine Hill: A Complete Travel Guide to Rome’s Most Historic Site

The Palatine Hill is one of the most historically significant sites in Rome, a place where legend and history merge to tell the story of the city’s origins and imperial grandeur. As one of the Seven Hills of Rome, it rises about 40 meters (131 feet) above the surrounding landscape, offering breathtaking views of the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus. According to ancient mythology, this is where Romulus, the founder of Rome, established the city in 753 BC, after his fateful battle with his twin brother, Remus. Even before Rome’s legendary founding, archaeological discoveries confirm that the Palatine was inhabited as early as the 10th century BC, making it one of the oldest occupied areas in the region.

Over time, the Palatine became the most prestigious neighborhood in Rome, home to emperors, aristocrats, and influential figures. It was not only the residential heart of the Roman elite but also a place of deep religious and political significance. The hill housed grand palaces, sacred temples, and opulent gardens, many of which can still be explored today. Among its most famous landmarks are the House of Augustus, where Rome’s first emperor lived in relatively modest elegance, the Domus Augustana, the private quarters of later emperors, and the Stadium of Domitian, a vast space for athletic contests and entertainment. The Palatine was also considered a sacred site, closely linked to the myth of the Lupercal, the cave where the she-wolf is said to have nursed Romulus and Remus.

Visitors wishing to explore the Palatine Hill will need a ticket, but it is generally included in the Colosseum and Roman Forum combo ticket, allowing for a comprehensive experience of Rome’s most iconic ancient sites. While the general ticket grants entry to the hill’s impressive ruins, some restricted areas, such as the House of Augustus and the House of Livia, called Super Sites require an additional special-access pass due to the fragility of their exquisite frescoes.

For a complete tour of the Palatine in the context of Ancient Rome you can join our Guided Audio Colosseum Tour.

The House of Augustus

The House of Augustus was the private residence of Rome’s first emperor, Octavian Augustus, and provides a glimpse into his personal life and leadership style. Despite being home to the most powerful man in Rome, the structure is remarkably modest, reflecting Augustus's desire to present himself as a humble leader close to the people.

Inside, visitors can admire exquisite frescoes depicting mythological scenes, ornamental motifs, and idyllic landscapes, created in a refined and symbolic artistic style. These frescoes, among the best-preserved from the Augustan period, adorn the walls of the main rooms, including the audience hall and private spaces where Augustus held private meetings and received selected guests. Beyond their aesthetic beauty, the murals also conveyed Augustus's quasi-divine role and his connection to the prosperity and peace of the era.

The House of Livia

The House of Livia was the residence of Livia Drusilla, wife of Emperor Augustus and a prominent figure in Roman society. Known for its elegant simplicity and refined decor, the house exemplifies the values of the Augustan era, emphasizing harmony and modest luxury.

Inside, visitors can view remarkably well-preserved frescoes adorning the walls with intricate details. The frescoes depict serene garden scenes, lush plants, and vibrant birds, which create an illusion of open space and tranquility. These artworks reflect Livia’s status and taste while also embodying themes of nature and fertility, symbols of the stability and prosperity promoted during Augustus’s reign. The intimate rooms offer a sense of the private life of one of Rome’s most influential women and provide a unique perspective on daily life and cultural ideals in the early Roman Empire.

The Domus Flavia and Domus Augustana

The Domus Flavia and Domus Augustana are two monumental palaces on the Palatine Hill, constructed by Emperor Domitian in the late 1st century AD as part of a grand imperial residence. Together, these structures showcase the opulence and grandeur of Roman imperial architecture, serving as both public and private quarters for the emperor.

The Domus Flavia, the more public section, was designed for official functions, ceremonies, and entertaining dignitaries. Visitors can admire the expansive central courtyard with its elegant fountain and intricate mosaic floors, as well as the Aula Regia (Royal Hall), a vast space used for formal receptions and audiences. The impressive scale and elaborate decor highlight the emperor's authority and the splendor of the Roman Empire.

The Domus Augustana, in contrast, served as the private quarters for the emperor and his family. With its series of rooms, gardens, and terraces overlooking the Circus Maximus, it offered an exclusive retreat. This area was more secluded and refined, designed for personal comfort and privacy. Walking through its corridors, visitors get a sense of the luxurious yet intimate spaces where the emperor resided, revealing both the personal and political dimensions of Roman imperial life. Together, the Domus Flavia and Domus Augustana reflect the dual nature of the emperor's role—both a public figurehead and a private individual with a complex daily life.

The Stadium of Domitian

The Stadium of Domitian was an expansive structure commissioned by Emperor Domitian in the late 1st century AD. It served as a venue for athletic events, games, and public entertainments modeled after Greek competitions, which Domitian sought to popularize in Rome. This unique, elongated stadium stood out for its narrow, curved shape, resembling an athletic arena rather than a traditional amphitheater, and had seating on both sides to accommodate spectators.

Today, visitors can see remnants of the stadium’s impressive brickwork and its layout, which hints at the lively events that once took place here. The structure also held political significance, as these events allowed emperors to demonstrate their generosity and engage with the public. Walking through the site, you can almost hear the echoes of the ancient crowds cheering for athletes and performers—a reminder of the stadium’s role in both entertaining and strengthening ties between the emperor and the Roman people. The Stadium of Domitian on the Palatine is a fascinating glimpse into ancient Rome's dedication to athleticism, public spectacle, and imperial influence.

The Farnese Gardens

The Farnese Gardens, or Horti Farnesiani, are one of the earliest examples of Renaissance botanical gardens in Europe, perched beautifully atop the Palatine Hill. Created in the 16th century by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, the gardens were designed to blend seamlessly with the ancient ruins of the area, providing a tranquil oasis among the historic remnants of imperial Rome.

Visitors can stroll through terraced landscapes, fragrant citrus groves, and carefully laid-out flowerbeds that overlook stunning views of the Roman Forum. Notable features include grand staircases, fountains, and even ancient sculptures that enhance the atmosphere, evoking the luxurious gardens of antiquity. The Farnese Gardens offer a peaceful retreat and a beautiful fusion of nature, history, and Renaissance design, making them a perfect spot to experience the timeless elegance of Rome’s ancient and Renaissance heritage.

The Huts of Romulus

The Huts of Romulus, or Capanne di Romolo, is an intriguing and historic site located on the Palatine Hill, offering a glimpse into Rome’s mythical past. According to legend, Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome, lived in a humble hut on this very spot after the founding of the city in 753 BC. The area consists of a small, circular structure resembling the simple dwellings of early Romans, built using traditional materials like wood and reeds.

Visitors can see a reconstruction of this ancient hut, which stands as a symbol of Rome’s mythical origins. The Hut of Romulus is closely tied to the legendary story of the twin brothers Romulus and Remus, who were said to have been raised by a she-wolf in a cave on the Palatine Hill. Today, the site allows visitors to step back in time and imagine the early days of Rome, reflecting the humble beginnings of a city that would eventually grow into the heart of an empire. This spot is a must-see for those interested in Rome’s legendary founding and its deeper connection to the myths that shaped its identity.

Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo on the Palatine Hill is one of the most important ancient sites in Rome, dedicated to the god Apollo, who was revered for his association with prophecy, music, and healing. Built by Augustus in 28 BC, the temple was part of the emperor's larger effort to associate his rule with divine favor and to legitimize his leadership by invoking the gods' power.

The temple was an impressive structure with a grand colonnade, though today, only the foundations and a few remnants of the building are visible. Visitors can still explore the ruins and appreciate its strategic location overlooking the city. The site also housed the Porticus of Apollo, a series of surrounding porticos, and it is here that Augustus displayed his collection of artworks and statues, further emphasizing his connection to the divine.

The Temple of Apollo is significant not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of Augustus' power and the golden age he sought to usher in for Rome. Walking through its remains offers visitors a chance to reflect on the importance of religion, politics, and art in the Roman Empire, while also connecting with the mythological and political origins of one of Rome’s most influential emperors.

The Palace of Tiberius

The Domus Tiberiana, or Tiberius’ Palace, is an ancient imperial residence constructed during the reign of Emperor Tiberius, who ruled from AD 14 to AD 37. The palace complex was strategically positioned to provide a stunning view of the Roman Forum and the surrounding city, further emphasizing the emperor's power and control over the empire.

Although much of the Domus Tiberiana has been lost or heavily altered over the centuries, its ruins remain an important archaeological site. The palace was a symbol of imperial grandeur, with luxurious rooms, grand halls, and intricate architectural features. The structure spanned a large area and consisted of multiple wings, including living quarters for the emperor and his family, ceremonial spaces, and expansive gardens that further showcased the wealth and opulence of the imperial family.

Today, visitors can explore the foundations and remnants of this palace, which reveal its complex layout and the scale of its original grandeur. The palace was built with innovative architectural designs and was later expanded by subsequent emperors, particularly after Tiberius’ departure from Rome. The Domus Tiberiana, although largely in ruins, offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the imperial family and the architecture of the Roman elite during the early years of the Empire.

The Cryptoporticus of Nero

The Cryptoporticus of Nero is an ancient underground passageway near the imperial residences. This structure was built during the reign of Emperor Nero, around the mid-1st century AD, and is part of a larger complex that included the emperor’s luxurious palace.

The cryptoporticus was a covered, colonnaded walkway or tunnel, designed to provide shelter and support for the upper floors of the buildings above. Its function was both practical and aesthetic, offering a cool and shaded passage through the palace complex, while also serving as a structural element that reinforced the grand imperial residence. Nero’s cryptoporticus is particularly notable for its architectural sophistication, with an arrangement of arches and vaulted ceilings designed to create a sense of grandeur and space.

While the exact purpose of the cryptoporticus remains uncertain, it is believed that it may have been used for various ceremonial, administrative, or private functions. The underground nature of the structure also suggests it may have served as a means of connecting different parts of the imperial palace, offering the emperor and his family discreet routes throughout the complex.

The Views Over the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus

The Views Over the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus from the Palatine Hill offer some of the most breathtaking panoramas of ancient Rome. As one of the seven hills that make up the heart of the city, the Palatine Hill offers a unique vantage point from which visitors can gaze upon the ruins of two of Rome’s most iconic historical sites: the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus.

From the Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum can be seen in its sprawling entirety. The Forum was the center of political, social, and religious life in ancient Rome, and its ruins reveal the grandeur of temples, basilicas, and government buildings that once hosted the most significant events of Roman life. Standing atop the Palatine, visitors can take in the impressive views of the Temple of Saturn, the Senate House, and the imposing arches of triumph that marked military victories. This elevated perspective allows you to appreciate the vast scale and organization of the Forum, as well as its relationship to the surrounding areas, including the nearby Capitoline Hill.

Beyond the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus stretches out in the distance. The Circus Maximus, once the largest chariot racing stadium in ancient Rome, could hold up to 250,000 spectators. From the Palatine Hill, you can trace the long, elongated shape of the track, which is still visible today in the grass-covered field that runs between the hills. Imagining the roar of the crowds as chariots raced at full speed is a powerful way to connect with the lively atmosphere that once defined this space.